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The Chemistry Department boasts a rich heritage within the College of Arts and Science, tracing its roots to years prior to the American Chemical Society's establishment at New York University in 1876. Professor John W. Draper, the society's inaugural president and department chair, was an extraordinary Renaissance man: a chemist, doctor, thinker, historian, and trailblazing photographer.
The department has implemented an ambitious growth initiative, enhancing its faculty, teaching labs, curriculum, and research infrastructure across physical, biophysical, bioorganic, and biomedical chemistry, along with chemical biology, nanoscience, and materials science. High-achieving undergraduates are particularly urged to engage in research as early as their second year. Cutting-edge laboratory facilities support all undergraduate chemistry coursework.
Pursuing a chemistry major at NYU delivers excellent groundwork for graduate studies in chemistry and biochemistry, professional training in medicine, dentistry, or patent law, and careers in industrial/pharmaceutical chemistry and biotechnology.
Degree options include majors in chemistry, biochemistry, and global public health/science with a chemistry focus, available as either B.A. or B.S. programs. Through consultation with the undergraduate studies director, students can craft diverse academic paths by combining advanced undergraduate and graduate electives, potentially specializing in organic, biochemical, physical, or theoretical chemistry. Undergraduate research stands out as a particularly compelling aspect of the chemistry major, enabling collaboration with graduate students, postdocs, and faculty to tackle real-world challenges and pioneer discoveries. Numerous students achieve publishable results, while research experience also serves as outstanding preparation for graduate studies and various chemistry-related professions.